Quintessential to Become U.S. Importer for Montes, Kaiken Wines
Quintessential will become the exclusive U.S. importer, distributor and marketer for Montes of Chile and Kaiken of Argentina under an agreement that takes effect Nov. 1, 2026, for Montes and Jan. 1, 2027, for Kaiken.
The Napa, California-based wine company will add both wineries to a portfolio that already includes Argentine producers Pascual Toso and Bodegas Bianchi, as well as Chilean wineries Seña, Viñedo Chadwick and Matetic Vineyards.
Founded in 1988 by Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, Montes produces wines including Montes Alpha M, Montes Folly, Purple Angel and Taita. Aurelio Montes Sr. continues to work with his son, Aurelio Montes Jr., the winery’s chief winemaker.
Kaiken began operations in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2002. The winery sources grapes from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, with Malbec serving as a core variety. Its portfolio includes Kaiken Ultra, Boulder and Mai Malbec.
Both wineries hold Certified B Corporation status. Their sustainability initiatives include renewable energy, water conservation, regenerative farming and biodiversity protection.
“Montes and Kaiken are exactly the kind of partners we look for at Quintessential,” said Dennis Kreps, co-owner of Quintessential. “They have extraordinary wines, a pioneering spirit and a long-term vision for their wineries and vineyards. We’re excited to bring the strength of our organization behind these brands and build on their success in the U.S.”
“The United States has always been an important market for our wines, and choosing the right partner is essential to our continued growth,” said Aurelio Montes Sr. “In Quintessential, we see a team that understands our ambitions for both Montes and Kaiken and shares our belief in building lasting relationships.”
The agreement expands Quintessential’s representation of South American wines in the U.S. market, adding two wineries to its existing lineup of producers from Chile and Argentina.
The post Quintessential to Become U.S. Importer for Montes, Kaiken Wines appeared first on Beverage Information Group.